Dreams in design: Plymouth Rock Kitchens can create the ideal space

Edan Dayan started his kitchen design business out of his van. After working for 10 years for other employers in kitchen design, learning the industry and continuing his education, he decided that it was time to venture out on his own. Believing that his business should be very hands-on, he would bring samples to clients’ homes, accompany them to granite companies and appliance stores and walk them through each step to create their dream kitchen – a business routine he continues to practice today.

“I would have samples in bags that I kept in my van, and I’d go to people’s homes and show them samples,” he says. “I still bring those bags! But after a while, my wife, Kathy, and I decided it would be wise to have a showroom of our own. Some of the builders we work with wanted a showroom where they could send clients. Here, I’m able to work more broadly with people.”

In 2014, Edan and Kathy found a perfect location at 34R South Park Ave., off Water St., in Plymouth. “It came to us,” Kathy says.

“We had already started the business and were working out of our home with the ‘mobile showroom’ van that Edan brought to clients. One day Edan happened to see a sign out front (of the building) and we decided to check it out. We instantly fell in love with the courtyard and the cottage-like feel of the building. We really wanted a small, intimate space that felt like someone’s home. It needed a little TLC, so we painted it white, added a garden and Edan worked his magic on the inside.”

At their showroom, the Dayans carry several popular name brands from the kitchen design world. “It’s important for people to see examples of elements that can be included and the details that can go into it,” Edan says. In the showroom, they display samples of tile, hardware, countertops, cabinetry and more. Some are commercial names, but they also carry their own brand, PRK Custom Cabinetry.

Kitchen design, they say, can often be a frustrating and confusing process. There are so many facets involved from concept to completion, and Edan makes that process his own.

He begins by visiting a client’s home, taking measurements of the room or rooms involved and speaking with the client about what they envision and what type of budget they have to work with.

Then, he uses a software program to create a virtual kitchen. “We re-create the kitchen they currently have, and incorporate the changes they want to make. This way, we’re able to show them the possibilities in the design development stages. If they want to move an appliance, or take out a wall, we can actually show them how the kitchen will look with those changes on the computer.”

Next, he accompanies the client to look at materials. “For flooring, windows and the like, I refer my clients to two or three people with whom I have a working relationship.” He tries to use local vendors as whenever possible, such as Best Tile in Plymouth, Republic Plumbing in Marshfield and Appliance One in Hanover, to name a few.

Kathy works as the business manager, and handles all the bookkeeping, ordering, networking and some vendor relations, Edan says. “We began this business together. We rely on each other’s strengths to make this business a success. This business is personal, hands-on and inclusive. We don’t just focus on cabinetry. If you’re conscientious of the all the details involved, the final product will be much nicer.”

The Dayans offer a free consultation to new clients, which typically takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, with no strings attached.

“We discover what’s there,” Edan says, “and get a big picture of what the client wants and try to give them a realistic idea of costs.”

The couple and their children have lived in Plymouth for the past 15 years. “We have two daughters – Jillian, who is 26 and just recently got married and moved back to Plymouth, and Ayala, who is 16 and a junior at Plymouth South High School,” Kathy says. “We also have a Boston terrier named Teddy.”

In their free time, Edan is a musician and plays bass guitar with various bands on the weekends. Kathy is a published author who has written two novels and two children’s books, which are available on Amazon and in local stores.

“Edan has been in the industry for 14 years and has done hundreds of projects,” Kathy adds. “Our business is built on referrals from past clients and builders whom we work with regularly.”

“Clients ask my opinion,” says Edan. “I stay involved and control the process from beginning to end. Here, we’re tying all elements of kitchen modeling together with guidance. I want that outcome to be nice. I work to have the final product be exactly what we had set out for it to be.”

This article was published in the April 2017 issue of Cape & Plymouth Business.